Winter Wildlife in Australia

If you love wild animals, and want to come wildlife watching in Australia in May, June, July, August or September, where are best places to go?

Kangaroos & Crocodiles 10 days

Tropical North Queensland from May to September is warm and sunny, and in the Outback the sun shines strongly but mornings are fresh and cool.

Wildlife thrives in this gentle season. On this trip you’ll see huge contrasts, both in the animals seen and the landscapes: rainforest and reef wildlife in the north, and desert animals on the red sand of the Outback.

You’ll see large numbers of wild Red and Western Grey Kangaroos, Emus, up to twelve species of parrot & cockatoo and many other birds at Mungo in the Outback with Echidna Walkabout. Emus sit on nests from April to June, so by June & July the chicks have hatched and are walking around with their dad. Later in the season, in August & September, chicks are becoming curious and we have experiences like this: Teenage Emus in the Outback

Kangaroos & Whale Sharks 9 days

You will be surrounded by wild kangaroos at one minute, and by whale sharks and manta rays the next.

Wildlife highlights in the Outback in Australian winter include mobs of Red and Western Grey Kangaroos, Apostlebirds, Wedge-tailed Eagles, Shingleback and Central Bearded Dragon Lizards. Big flocks of Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos are best seen in May & June when young birds are hanging out with the adults. Regent Parrots can be seen throughout winter, but as breeding starts in September they come to River Red Gum trees near Hattah.

At famous Ningaloo Reef on Australia’s west coast May, June or July is the best season for swimming with Whale Sharks. You may also see and snorkel with Manta Rays, Dugongs, turtles and many colouful reef fish. In August and September Humpback Whales appear at Ningaloo. Around Exmouth town Emus are quite common, and some rare birds like Star Finch and Budgerigar can be seen in June and Spinifex Pigeons have been seen in September.

Kangaroos & Crocodiles suggested itinerary:

fly into Melbourne MEL or Sydney SYD

Day 1 free day in Melbourne/Sydney to relax
Janine’s suggestion: MELBOURNE – great birds can be seen on a walk in Royal Park, North Melbourne SYDNEY: Take a Sydney ferry to Cremorne Point Wharf and walk around the harbour to Mosman or Taronga Zoo Wharf – loads of birds.

Day 2 fly Sydney/Melbourne to Cairns CNS [non stop flights all day by Qantas Virgin Jetstar Tiger]
James’ suggestion: try an hour of birding on the Cairns Esplanade this evening before dinner

Day 6 fly Adelaide to Exmouth LEA [Qantas one stop Perth. Best flight 06.10am-12.05pm]
Suggestion: Spend the afternoon looking for birds around the Exmouth wastewater treatment plant and golf course near the visitor centre on Willersdorf Rd.

Day 9 fly Exmouth to Perth PER [Qantas 11.30am and 3.15pm weekdays (only one flight on Sat & Sun]

fly out of Perth

Indicative Touring Price:from $3850 per person.

Includes 3 nights accommodation in Mildura/Mungo.

This price does not include flights, or accommodation in Exmouth, Perth, Melbourne or Adelaide if required. In Exmouth allow $320per room per night for 5 star; $250pr,pn for mid-range or $150pr,pn for budget